Truck stops would get video poker machines

Truck stops would get video poker machines and users could place smaller bets under a measure advancing at the state Capitol.

The House Executive Committee voted 10-1 Thursday night for Senate Bill 744, aimed at addressing several “cleanup” issues from the video poker legalization lawmakers approved in the spring.

Truck stops would get video poker machines and users could place smaller bets under a measure advancing at the state Capitol.

The House Executive Committee voted 10-1 Thursday night for Senate Bill 744, aimed at addressing several “cleanup” issues from the video poker legalization lawmakers approved in the spring.

Under this measure headed now to the full House, gamblers could place bets of as little as a penny per bet, instead of no lower than a nickel per bet that’s in effect now.

Truck stops would join bars, restaurants and other establishments that could have the machines. And because many truck stops stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, their machines would be open for bets continuously.
The measure does not interfere with local governments’ ability to opt out of having the machines in their areas.
Lawmakers have considered putting an opt-out deadline to force governments to make up their mind but delayed action on that for now.

Anita Bedell, a prominent gambling critic, said the religious groups she represents long have fought 24-hour gambling and think Illinoisans don’t want that.

“This is a bad policy. We ask that you not go along and make it any worse,” Bedell said.

But Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, said trying to monitor machines in truck stops that are open all the time would be too difficult.

“It would be inappropriate to set a time in which they could use those machines,” Lang said.